Entertainment

How John Wick Saved the Movie Studios

In a time when Hollywood seems to be struggling with fresh ideas, John Wick stands out as an unexpected playbook for creating original movie franchises. As John Wick celebrates its 10th anniversary, it’s remarkable how this $25 million film about a hitman’s journey to avenge his dog managed to build a billion-dollar empire—one that Hollywood surprisingly failed to replicate. This is how John Wick saved the movie studios.

The industry continues to churn out costly, often repetitive IPs, which has led to the downfall of once surefire hits, from Marvel and DC projects to prestige films like Killers of the Flower Moon. But John Wick presented a solution for Hollywood: creating lower-budget, high-quality films with a unique premise that can grow organically. Here’s how John Wick redefined what it takes to build a profitable franchise.

A Simple Idea That Worked

In his book They Shouldn’t Have Killed His Dog, John Wick producer Basil Iwanyk explains his philosophy, “Action movies you could make for $25 million plus or minus five. It’s the most obvious thing in the world, but nobody seems to understand that.” Iwanyk’s strategy proved successful—four films later, the John Wick franchise has surpassed $1 billion in box office revenue. By keeping budgets manageable, John Wick demonstrated that modestly priced films could deliver impressive returns, offering both box-office revenue and potential for expansion through sequels and spin-offs.

However, it wasn’t just the budget that contributed to John Wick‘s success. A few crucial elements had to fall into place.

The Slump Breaker: Casting Keanu Reeves

John Wick was released when Keanu Reeves was in need of a hit. His career was in a lull, with films like 47 Ronin and The Day the Earth Stood Still failing to resonate with audiences. When John Wick came along, it was the perfect project for Reeves—a disciplined actor experienced in action roles. Basil Iwanyk recalls sending Reeves a script originally written for a 75-year-old hitman, with a note: “Clearly, you’re not 75.” This role gave Reeves the opportunity to show off his martial arts and weapons training skills, which ultimately reinvigorated his career.

The 87Eleven Method: A Frugal Approach to Production

To make John Wick within budget, the filmmakers had to cut back elsewhere. Enter Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, the film’s directors, who had backgrounds in stunt work and founded 87Eleven Action Design, an action choreography company. They had a cost-effective method: choreographing and designing complex fight scenes in a gym using pre-visualization. This approach allowed them to plan every camera angle, movement, and sequence beforehand, reducing on-set expenses. By the time filming began, the entire cast and crew knew the fight sequences inside and out, minimizing wasted time and keeping costs low.

The 87Eleven method enabled them to focus the limited budget on making every scene dynamic. With Stahelski and Leitch, John Wick established a new model for cost-efficient action films, effectively prioritizing quality over quantity.

The Visual Aesthetic: Limitations Breed Innovation

John Wick also set itself apart by embracing stylistic choices born out of necessity. The long, unbroken takes in the action sequences weren’t just a creative choice—they were a budget-friendly necessity. At the time, the production couldn’t afford multiple cameras, so Stahelski and Leitch opted for single, continuous shots that not only saved money but also became a signature style of the franchise. This creative workaround ultimately made the film’s fight scenes more visceral, a refreshing contrast to the rapid cuts typically seen in Hollywood action.

Car Chases on a Budget

The final act of John Wick features an iconic car chase that might look like a big-budget set piece, but it was actually produced on a tight budget. The team chose a single location—the Brooklyn Navy Yard—and filmed at night, saving money on securing multiple locations and permitting. Using everyday cars like Dodge Challengers and Chevy Tahoes, they avoided the expense of high-end vehicles while delivering a thrilling sequence that didn’t break the bank.

The Success Formula: Budget-Friendly with a Clear Focus

When John Wick hit theatres in 2014, it generated $86 million on its $25 million budget, a 4x return that guaranteed a follow-up. The formula was simple yet effective: prioritize action, keep the plot straightforward, and deliver everything with a stylized touch. This formula allowed the filmmakers to take the franchise forward, focusing more on creativity than financial constraints.

The Sequels: Doubling Down on Action and World-Building

With each new film, the John Wick series expanded in scope without losing sight of what made it work.

John Wick: Chapter 2: With a $40 million budget, the filmmakers introduced more sophisticated fight choreography and innovative sets, including the iconic House of Mirrors. This sequel generated $171 million, proving that audiences were still hooked.

John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum: This time, the budget jumped to $75 million, which brought the franchise’s most impressive set pieces yet, including a scene with Belgian Malinois dogs attacking villains alongside Halle Berry. The film raked in $327 million, showcasing the franchise’s continued popularity.
John Wick: Chapter 4: Boasting a $100 million budget, this film pushed the limits with an almost three-hour runtime packed with intense action scenes. The “car fu” fight sequence near the Arc de Triomphe demonstrated the franchise’s commitment to real stunts, even as CGI was sparingly used to enhance the visuals. The franchise peaked, delivering action that had grown in complexity without losing its gritty, grounded feel.

Lessons for Hollywood: Why Didn’t Anyone Follow Suit?

The John Wick series is a rare example of an original franchise succeeding in an era where reboots, sequels, and superhero films dominate. Its success shows that Hollywood can still produce profitable franchises without relying on established IPs or massive budgets. Yet, few studios have taken note.

Hollywood’s resistance to lower-budget original action films, despite John Wick’s success, could stem from the appeal of high-budget productions or the certainty that established franchises bring. However, John Wick exemplifies that well-crafted, lower-budget films with a unique vision can yield incredible returns.

The Franchise’s Influence and the Future of Action Cinema

John Wick not only sparked sequels but also influenced a wave of similar films, from Sisu to Nobody. These films emulated John Wick’s aesthetic and approach, though few replicated its success. By emphasizing choreography, stylized visuals, and character-driven storytelling, John Wick paved the way for a new era in action cinema.

If Hollywood could heed the lessons of John Wick, it might be able to navigate a landscape where audiences increasingly seek originality and high-quality storytelling. As audiences grow tired of over-budgeted, underwhelming blockbusters, John Wick reminds us that a modestly priced, carefully crafted film can achieve both critical and commercial success.

What’s Next for the John Wick Franchise?

While John Wick: Chapter 4 marked the supposed end of the titular character’s journey, the franchise’s universe is far from over. With a spin-off TV series, The Continental, and a planned film focusing on Ana de Armas’ character from Parabellum, the John Wick universe continues to expand.

This success story highlights that with the right mix of vision, budget-consciousness, and dedication, Hollywood can create new franchises without relying solely on familiar faces and concepts. Ultimately, John Wick’s journey from a humble $25 million film to a billion-dollar franchise is a blueprint that Hollywood can’t afford to ignore if it hopes to evolve.

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Entertainment

Heat Has a Sequel: Here’s What We Know

The long-anticipated sequel to Heat, Michael Mann’s iconic 1995 crime thriller, is getting closer to reality. For years, Mann has expressed interest in expanding the story, and the release of Heat 2, a novel co-authored with Meg Gardiner, only intensified fans’ excitement. Now, Mann is actively developing the film adaptation, which will reportedly explore both the origins and aftermath of the events from Heat. Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far about Heat 2.

The Epic Scale of the Sequel

Michael Mann has teased that Heat 2 is set to be just as ambitious and large-scale as the original film, if not more so. In a recent screening of his 2006 film Miami Vice, Mann discussed Heat 2, saying, “It’s large! It’s at least as large as the original, which was two hours and forty-five minutes.” Given Heat’s reputation for its gritty realism, detailed characters, and intense pacing, the sequel seems poised to follow suit—potentially with a runtime exceeding that of the first.

The novel Heat 2 serves as both a sequel and a prequel, with a dual timeline that chronicles the lives of the characters both before and after the 1995 events. Mann has indicated that some elements in the movie adaptation will extend beyond the novel, offering a fresh perspective and added dimensions to the established story.

A Timeline That Expands the Characters’ Journeys

The Heat 2 novel alternates between two main timelines, creating a complex storyline that enriches the original film’s characters. The first timeline is set in the immediate aftermath of Heat, following Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer’s character) as he tries to escape the LAPD and the determined Detective Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino). This arc explores the high-stakes aftermath of the botched heist that left a trail of casualties and loose ends.

The second timeline takes place in Chicago in 1988, years before the events of Heat, and delves into the backstories of Hanna and Shiherlis. This structure provides a unique blend of prequel and sequel elements, allowing Mann to explore the characters’ motivations and defining experiences leading up to the fateful showdown. The complexity of the storyline suggests that Heat 2 may reveal hidden layers of the characters’ pasts while also setting the stage for a fresh round of conflicts in the present.

Casting Rumours: New Faces for Familiar Roles

Though the cast for Heat 2 remains officially unconfirmed, there is strong speculation that Adam Driver and Austin Butler may take on significant roles. Driver, who collaborated with Mann on his recent film Ferrari, has been rumoured to play a young Neil McCauley, the role originally portrayed by Robert De Niro. Austin Butler is also reportedly in discussions to portray a young Chris Shiherlis, Kilmer’s character. Mann has hinted at his desire to work with Driver again, saying they had a “great time working together artistically,” and have a “similar work ethic.”

This recasting would bring a new dynamic to the characters while preserving the essence of the iconic figures created by De Niro and Kilmer. While some fans may be hesitant about new actors in these beloved roles, Mann’s casting decisions have often resulted in memorable, nuanced performances that enrich the original material.

The Start of Filming and Possible Release Timeline

As of now, Mann is deeply involved in writing the screenplay and has expressed a desire to start shooting by late 2024 or early 2025. While this ambitious schedule may face changes, Mann’s dedication to the project suggests that the film may hit theatres sometime between 2025 and 2026. Given the scope and scale of Heat 2, fans can likely expect a meticulously crafted cinematic experience that aligns with Mann’s vision for his Heat universe.

The road to Heat 2 has been long, but with a talented cast, a gripping storyline, and Mann’s distinct direction, the film is shaping up to be a worthy successor to one of the most iconic crime thrillers of all time. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated sequel.

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Entertainment

Palpatine: A Star Wars Story – Could Tom Hiddleston Be the Perfect Emperor?

As Star Wars continues to expand its cinematic and streaming universe, fans are increasingly vocal about the characters they’d like to see brought to life in new, standalone projects. One character who has fascinated audiences for decades is Emperor Palpatine—arguably one of the greatest villains in film history. But here’s the burning question: if a prequel or standalone film exploring Palpatine’s rise were ever greenlit, Could Tom Hiddleston Be the Perfect Emperor?

Could Tom Hiddleston Be the Perfect Emperor?

The Legacy of Emperor Palpatine

From his chilling transformation from Senator Sheev Palpatine to Darth Sidious, the Sith Lord who manipulates the galaxy into chaos, Palpatine has always been the embodiment of pure evil. First introduced in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and later portrayed in-depth by Ian McDiarmid, his character is synonymous with cunning, manipulation, and dark ambition.

Palpatine’s journey from a seemingly unassuming politician to the dark overlord of the Sith is filled with untold stories that could make for a riveting Star Wars standalone film or series. The tragedy, betrayal, and sheer brilliance of his rise to power could serve as a compelling narrative, shedding light on how one man orchestrated the collapse of the Republic and the rise of the Galactic Empire.

Why Tom Hiddleston Fits the Role

Tom Hiddleston, celebrated for his portrayal of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has proven his ability to bring depth, charm, and menace to complex characters. Here’s why Hiddleston might just be the perfect actor to take on a younger Palpatine:

Villainous Charm: Hiddleston excels at playing morally ambiguous or outright villainous characters. His Loki is a perfect example of a character who straddles the line between empathy and evil, which could translate well into portraying a young, ambitious Palpatine.

Shakespearean Gravitas: With a background in theatre and a flair for delivering powerful, layered performances, Hiddleston could bring a Shakespearean depth to Palpatine’s character. This is crucial for a role steeped in manipulation, ambition, and ultimate tragedy.
Physical Resemblance and Transformation Ability: While Hiddleston doesn’t bear an immediate resemblance to Ian McDiarmid, his ability to physically and emotionally transform into his characters makes him a viable candidate. With the right makeup and visual effects, he could easily embody the younger version of the future Emperor.

Captivating Presence: Palpatine is a character who commands attention with every word. Hiddleston’s voice, body language, and ability to dominate a scene could bring new life to the role while honouring McDiarmid’s legacy.

Potential Plotlines for a Palpatine Story

A standalone Palpatine film or series could explore:

His Sith Training: How did Sheev Palpatine become Darth Sidious? The story of his apprenticeship under Darth Plagueis, learning the dark secrets of the Force, and eventually betraying his master could form the backbone of the narrative.
Political Manipulation: A young Palpatine rising through the political ranks in the Galactic Senate, showcasing his Machiavellian schemes and strategic brilliance, would add a layer of realism and intrigue.

The Transition to the Dark Side: What motivated Palpatine to embrace the Sith ideology and turn against the Republic? Was it sheer hunger for power, or were there deeper emotional wounds at play?

Fan Reactions and Speculation

Star Wars fans are no strangers to fancasting and speculating about new projects. The idea of Hiddleston stepping into the role of Palpatine has sparked significant debate online. Some argue his charisma and acting chops would breathe fresh life into the character, while others worry that any new portrayal might dilute Ian McDiarmid’s iconic performance.

Social media has already seen mock-ups of Hiddleston in Sith robes, and the results are nothing short of electrifying. Fans have noted his ability to embody both charm and menace, making him an ideal candidate to explore Palpatine’s duality.

Challenges in Casting Hiddleston

While Hiddleston has undeniable talent, casting him as Palpatine does pose certain challenges:

Comparison to McDiarmid: Ian McDiarmid’s portrayal of Palpatine is so iconic that any new actor stepping into the role would face immense scrutiny.
Hiddleston’s Association with Loki: Audiences might struggle to separate Hiddleston from his Marvel persona, potentially impacting their perception of his Palpatine portrayal.

Why a Palpatine Origin Story Matters

Exploring Palpatine’s origins offers Star Wars a chance to delve deeper into the lore of the Sith and the political decay of the Republic. It could also bridge gaps between the prequels, original trilogy, and new Star Wars projects, enriching the franchise’s ever-expanding universe.

With Disney+ leading the charge in producing Star Wars spin-offs, a Palpatine series or film could serve as both a character study and a gripping political thriller. Imagine a show where the dark underpinnings of Palpatine’s psyche are explored, with Tom Hiddleston delivering the kind of performance that leaves viewers captivated and unsettled.

Final Thoughts

While nothing is confirmed, the idea of Tom Hiddleston portraying a young Emperor Palpatine is certainly intriguing. With his charisma, talent, and ability to play layered villains, he could redefine the character for a new generation while staying true to its dark roots.

Whether or not Star Wars fans will ever see this dream casting come to life, one thing is certain: the potential for a Palpatine origin story remains one of the most exciting possibilities in the galaxy far, far away.

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Entertainment

All the Upcoming Star Wars Movies and Shows

The Star Wars galaxy is entering a thrilling new chapter, with a robust line-up of movies and shows set to arrive over the next five years. Whether it’s returning favourites, fresh faces, or untold stories from different points in the timeline, there’s something for every fan to look forward to. The upcoming Star Wars movies and shows look exciting!

The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 22, 2026)

Scheduled to hit cinemas on May 22, 2026, The Mandalorian & Grogu will be the first Star Wars theatrical release since The Rise of Skywalker. Jon Favreau is directing this instalment, which is anticipated to bring the beloved duo of Din Djarin (The Mandalorian) and Grogu (also known as “Baby Yoda”) back for a high-stakes adventure on the big screen.

This film is expected to carry forward the themes and characters from The Mandalorian series, providing fans with a grand-scale continuation of the saga’s post-Empire narrative. With Grogu’s mysterious powers and Din’s steadfast presence, this promises to be a major highlight for Star Wars in cinemas.

Ahsoka Season 2

After a successful first season, Ahsoka Tano, played by Rosario Dawson, is set to return in Ahsoka Season 2 on Disney+. Created by Star Wars storyteller Dave Filoni, the show will delve deeper into Ahsoka’s journey as she navigates the galaxy and encounters characters from across the Star Wars timeline. Ahsoka’s connection to Anakin Skywalker and her storied past with the Jedi Order makes this an essential watch for those invested in the saga’s rich lore.

While a specific release date has yet to be confirmed, fans can expect continued exploration of the mysterious “World Between Worlds,” as well as potential ties to other Disney+ series set in the same timeline.

Untitled Rey Skywalker Movie

Star Wars heroine Rey Skywalker is set to return in an untitled movie directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, known for her Oscar-winning documentaries. Set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, this film will follow Rey as she takes on the monumental task of rebuilding the Jedi Order.

Daisy Ridley reprises her role as Rey, now a Jedi Master, leading this new journey into uncharted territory. With Rey’s complex relationship with the Force and the Skywalker legacy, this film promises to deepen the lore of the Jedi and provide a fresh perspective on the future of the galaxy.

Dawn of the Jedi

Directed by James Mangold, Dawn of the Jedi will explore the earliest days of the Jedi Order, set roughly 25,000 years before the events of the Skywalker Saga. This film aims to uncover the origins of the Jedi and the Force itself, giving fans a unique glimpse into the ancient foundations of the Star Wars universe.

With Mangold at the helm, known for his work on Logan and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, audiences can expect a character-driven, mythological exploration of what it truly means to wield the Force. This journey into the distant past will showcase aspects of the galaxy that have only been hinted at in previous stories.

The Mandoverse Movie

Dave Filoni, a seasoned creative in the Star Wars franchise, is set to direct a crossover movie uniting characters and storylines from The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and The Book of Boba Fett. This ambitious project is expected to deliver a thrilling convergence of narratives as it brings together beloved characters and epic story arcs, mirroring the crossover style of Marvel’s Avengers.

While details remain under wraps, this movie is highly anticipated, as it promises to culminate many of the interconnected storylines that have been building in the Disney+ series, offering fans a cinematic spectacle of battles and alliances across the galaxy.

Taika Waititi’s Untitled Star Wars Film

Celebrated for his unique storytelling style, Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi is bringing his creative flair to a still-untitled Star Wars film. Waititi’s project is expected to provide a fresh take on the Star Wars universe, with his signature humour and bold direction shaping this new addition to the franchise.

With no release date confirmed, this movie remains shrouded in mystery, but fans can expect an inventive and original story from Waititi that explores different corners of the galaxy, possibly introducing new planets and characters with his trademark humour and heart.

From nostalgic returns to bold new stories, the upcoming Star Wars projects reveal Lucasfilm’s commitment to expanding the galaxy with rich storytelling and imaginative settings. With an array of new films and shows on the horizon, the next five years in Star Wars are sure to capture the hearts of audiences old and new.

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